ETAN is "A voice of reason,
criticizing the administration's
reluctance to address ongoing
human rights violations
and escalating oppression in
West Papua and against religious
minorities throughout
Indonesia."

On May 21,
ETAN received the Order of Timor-Leste (Ordem
de
Timor-Leste), the highest award that the Democratic Republic
of Timor-Leste bestows. Recently-inaugurated President Taur
Matan Ruak presented the award to ETAN for our contribution
to the liberation of the country. The award was accepted by
ETAN National Coordinator John M. Miller.
The award's ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace a
day after the 10th anniversary of the restoration of the
country's independence. Present at the awards ceremony were
former President Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Parliament
Fernando "Lasama" de Araujo, Vice Prime Minister Jose Luis
Guterres - all three have spoken at ETAN events over the
years - as well as members of the government, friends and
relatives of the awardees and diplomats, including U.S.
Ambassador to Timor-Leste Judith Fergin who offered her
congratulations.

ETAN co-founder and former National Coordinator Charles
Scheiner also received the award. An additional 15
individuals and organizations were also honored on May 21.

This award belongs to all who participated in ETAN's
campaign to challenge and change U.S. policy to support for
Timor's self-determination.

Other recipients of the Order of Timor-Leste on May 21
were
Ambassador Antonio Monteiro, Prof. Antonio
Pinto Barbedo de Magalhaes of Oporto University, Dr. Rui
Marques, who organized the Lusitania Expresso in March 1992,
and RTP (Portuguese Radio and Television).

The Dom Martinho Lopes medal, which goes
to members of religious orders, was award to Bishop Hilton
Forrest Deakin of Australia, Father Joao de Deus, Father
Jose Lopes Batista, and Father Jose Martins. Father Domingos
Morato da Cunha and Father Reinaldo Cardoso, priests based
in Rhode Island, also received the medal.

Those receiving the Medal of Merit included Father Jose
Lopes Batista from Peace and Justice for East Timor
Association, the principal of Coimbra University, Portugal,
Alfredo Manuel Pires, and Louise Byrne.

In his speech, the President thanked the medal recipients
for their support to Timor-Leste's struggle for
independence.

John M. Miller,
President Taur Matan Ruak and Charles Scheiner.

From left: Father Domingos Morato da Cunha, Father Reinaldo Cardoso, John M. Miller, and Charles Scheiner.